During WWII the 105mm LeFH.18 and its modernized version 18M were the mainstay of the German field artillery. Next modernization was for reducing of weight without impairing the performance. The demand was raised in March 1942, together with the other familiar requests that it should be ready as soon as possible and must be capable of rapid production. The requirement was met simply enough by taking the carriage of the 75mm Pak.40 AT gun, making few modifications, and assembling the barrel and recoil system of the LeFH.18M on top of it.